Truckers to get 60 days of on-the-job HOS training

WASHINGTON, (Dec. 23, 2004) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has proposed a 60-day period of “aggressive education” following implementation of the revised HOS rules on January 4. He is asking enforcement officials to use discretion in handing out citations during the phase-in period, and to use each stop as an opportunity to educate drivers on the new rules.

Mineta said states are being asked to write warnings instead of citations for all but flagrant violations. Federal inspectors from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will coordinate education and enforcement efforts from regional offices across the country.

“As we get closer to the implementation date, we are finding that too many truckers still have questions about these rules,” Mineta said. “It’s our version of on-the-job training for drivers who aren’t sure how or whether the new safety rules apply to them.”

Federal officials already have answered thousands of questions from truck drivers and their employers about the new rules, but Mineta said the goal is to get details of the changes to all operators as soon as possible.

“We want to do whatever we can to make certain everyone is aware and ready to comply as soon as possible,” he said.

The decision to give warnings instead of citations also gives DOT officials more time to work out rules for truck drivers who work for public utilities. These drivers are often asked to drive beyond the time limits during public emergencies such as blackouts and natural disasters. Utilities have petitioned FMCSA for an exemption. “We want a solution that keeps roads safe, water flowing and the lights on,” said Mineta.

Detailed information about the rule is at www.fmcsa.dot.gov, and FMCSA will staff a toll-free telephone line around the clock beginning Dec. 29 to answer drivers’ questions. The phone number is 1-800-598-5664.